So, my main job is as a preschool teacher. In my spare time, I deliver food for one of the main food delivery services. I do enjoy doing it but my main reason that I picked up this job is to supplement my income.
I have had many conversations with other delivery drivers and the topic of tips comes up more than you might think. As with any service industry, tips are welcomed and although, in the United States at least, it’s customary, it’s not required.
My thought on it is this, I go into each delivery assuming that the customer will not tip. If I am correct and they don’t tip, I’m not disappointed because it was what I expected. If I am wrong and they DO tip, it’s a nice little bonus.
I average about 50% on tips. I do everything I can to do the job well. I confirm with the restaurant that the order is accurate and complete. If it’s cold food like ice cream, I run my AC to make sure it stays cold (or the heat for hot food). I use an insulated bag to keep the food at the temp it should be. I position the food in my car so it doesn’t slide. I can’t help the wait time or a busy period at a restaurant or traffic but once I have the food, I do everything within my power to get it to the customer in a timely manner. I take pride in doing the job well.
Sure, there are times when I thought I went above and beyond for the customer where I thought I deserved a tip but I don’t judge the customer for not tipping. It’s up to them each time, if they want to tip or not.
There are some drivers I’ve talked to who say they worked for their tip so they deserve it. My thought is that you work for the base pay that the service pays you. Tips are nice but never required. They are nice to get but they are extra. So if we get them…great. If not, still okay.
Would it be nice to get a tip for every delivery? Sure, it would but that’s just not how it works. For now, I just keep on keeping on.
The Cat Lady Speaks 